Michael Carrick out until next year and may need surgery

HEARTACHE: Carrick was pulled from the England squad and may need surgery [ACTION]

“He could be ruled out until the New Year due to increasing concerns hr could need surgery”

Carrick yesterday pulled out of the England squad for the friendlies against Chile and Germany because of an Achilles injury.

Now it has emerged he could be ruled out until the New Year due to increasing concerns over the persistent problem, which could need surgery.

Carrick, 32, has played through the pain barrier for United in recent weeks but could now be forced to rest the nagging injury for up to two months.

If United's worst fears are confirmed it will be a huge blow to Moyes.

Carrick has been United's most outstanding midfielder in the last two seasons.

Moyes knows he is already short of genuine class in this department and can ill-afford to be without Carrick. It would leave Moyes having to rely on Ryan Giggs, who turns 40 later this month, and the inconsistent duo of Tom Cleverley and Anderson.

To make matters worse for the champions, summer signing Marouane Fellaini has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford.

The £27.5m arrival from Everton has yet to impress and Moyes even admitted last week that the Belgium star is struggling for form and fitness.

BLOW: Moyes could face a crisis in midfield if Carrick is out for too long [GETTY]

Darren Fletcher will not be rushed back from stomach surgery to fill the gap, so Moyes could be forced to turn to Phil Jones, who impressed alongside Carrick against Arsenal at Old Trafford at the weekend.

Moyes has earmarked Jones as a long-term replacement for Rio Ferdinand at centre-back.

However, he might have no option but to pick Jones in midfield to plug the gap left by Carrick's expected absence.

Carrick will be monitored by United over the coming week in the hope that the inflammation around the Achilles eases off.

Moyes rested Carrick for the recent fixtures against Norwich, Fulham and Real Sociedad, before recalling him for the crunch visit of the Gunners.

Carrick, who had been due to win his 32nd cap against Chile on Friday, has been troubled by Achilles issues in the past.

He had a similar problem in 2012, which played a part in him turning down the chance to be considered for a place in Hodgson's squad at that summer's Euros.